Well ladies, the Clamshell Club is born. I have had many questions on the clamshell quilt I am working on and so many quilters wanted to start that quilt that we formed a club. Not much is written and found on the internet about the pattern and with a group we are able to help each other with patterns, tips, photos etc. Eleven quilters are eager to give it a try. A nice number to start with. If you would like to join just leave a comment (be sure your email is NOT set on no reply) or send me an email. The emailadress is in my profile. You will find the participants in the side bar at the right.

There are different techniques to make a clamshell quilt. Links with patterns, tutorials etc. are at the bottom of this post. Not many links as I said before but if you know more links or have more information please let me know.

So far I have used two techniques. I made a little cat quilt of which the clamshells were sewn by machine with a blanket stitch on a foundation. Very easy to do.

The technique I am now working with is from a book of Better Homes and Gardens: Quilting pieces of the past. It is different from the technique Lizard of Ozz describes.I have to trace the pattern on the right side of the fabric and baste the seam allowance of the top to the back. Then applique the top of the pattern to the curves of the previous row. The most difficult part is to keep the rows straight. The pattern said I had to lay out the first row of white shells, pin them on e.g. an ironing board and sew them together. Later on the white shells would be cut straight. I made it easier on myself by taking a light strip of fabric and applique the first coloured row on the strip. If it had to be cut it would hardly show that the first row were not shells. I pin the project on a small pinning board (the one I also use for my hexagons) an it works perfect for me.

And now the rules, well there are not many. Actually the only rule is to leave an update and show your work on your blog on the last day of every month. On that day is update day for my challenge quilt and it is the only day I can show my work.Of course it is possible for everyone to post between updates and tell how hard the struggle was/is and give tips or ask questions. But the actual progress we would like to see on the last day of every month. We don't want any stress and everyone is free to choose a technique and size of the quilt and only sew as much as you can handle without any pressure.En dan nu de regels. Er is er eigenlijk maar een en dat is dat iedereen op de laatste dag van elke maand haar vorderingen laat zien. Tussendoor mag je natuurlijk best posten over wat je werk, klagen en tips geven of vragen stellen. Maar op het eind van de maand willen we graag zien wat je gedaan hebt. De bedoeling is dat iedereen in haar eigen tempo werkt in een techniek naar keuze en zelf de afmetingen van de quilt bepaalt. We willen absoluut geen stress!

De officiele start is op 1 juni en de eerste update is op 30 juni.

The oficial start is on 1 June and the first update will be on 30 June.

A last note:I know there will be silent readers who read and use the tips they find here. I want to ask them to be a sport and leave a comment or a thank you on the blog where they find the particular help. Or better: join the club and share your work with us.

Thank you Jossie for setting up the Clam Shell Club, I can't wait to get started.....I have my choice of fabric & the inspiration from Kaffe Fassett's Museum Quilts book (photos on my blog, so I have no excuse now!

Hi Jossie, I am so pleased to be part of this clamshell party. If it isn't too much trouble, could you change the spelling of my name, on the sidebar, to Michele? Just one "l". I have two friends involved in this, and look forward to meeting more. Thank you for getting us going. Michele

I found that you had started a Clamshell club by accident today!I guess I should join you gals...I had already started one back on March 27...not knowing others had started some as well. I am using the same Better Homes and Garden book you have. I first posted about my start on my blog March 27.So...add my name to the list of those who want to give this a good try........question....looks to me like you are basting yours all together before you stitch them together....????

I have always loved clamshell quilts. While I usually lurk silently and watch others participate, I have to really join in on this one. I've wanted a clamshell quilt for a long time, and this will help me get one done!

Hi - your club sound great...I wont join for now as I have too much going, but you may like to check out this site...The method used is Inklingo - and its really so easy..the site is here http://www.lindafranz.com/blog/No affliliation - I just love Inklingo.

Hi Jossie,I would like to join your group. I just joined one flower Wednesdays and I think the clam shell quilt would be fun to work on too. This is the first time I have seen your blog and I know I will enjoy keeping up with you!!

Hi, I bought the New INKLINGO clamshell download. I will print some clamshells off soon and start to sew as soon as my hand is in sewing condition. I am a little accident prone...LOL I stumble and fell. I think I will be able to start in July.I just came across your blog today and think I will enjoy doing the clams with other people.Thank you,Frummie

PS I haven't blogged in over a year. This will start up again then too.

Well my Dear friend Frummie in post above also bought me the new Inklingo Clamshell program so looks like I'm in too :)) I love the little clamshell kitty quilt you made... adorable! Frummie and me are Inklingo fans. If you are interested in seeing her program for clamshell go here:-http://lindafranz.com/shop/quilts-with-curves/13/product/inklingo-clamshell-quilt/78 I have no affliation just a fan. :)

Hi Jossie...I love the clamshells...I'm so inspired to have a go and start a shell quilt of my own..So can I please join your club.I have shell template, but quite small.. how big are your shells please..Thanks Julia ♥

Hello! I found out about the clamshell club from Sue-Anne at Buddy & Me Blog. I know I'm a little late, but may I join? I've already ordered some clamshell templates, so I know I'll have an update by the end of July. I can't wait to "claim" with all of you!

Hi, I read your blog and as I love clamshells you rcomment to sign up pushed me over the edge of just reading, but have ben a bit scared of all those CURVES for so long that I am going to face the challenge head on! May I join in the fun?

Wow! I really enjoy these clam quilts. I've never made one, but because of your blog and info, I'm going to try and start with a small project. Should I just post on my blog and then send you the link? Anyhoo, gonna give it a try..thank you for the inspiration!hugzPam

Good Morning from St. Louis, MO USA!I am sooo glad I ran across this blog for I have always wanted to make this quilt pattern! Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have been sewing since I have been a little girl, many, many moons ago. I applique, piece, quilt and rug hook...busy huh?I love all of these textile arts and wish more time in the day to accomplish more, but you know how that goes...I am joining this group and hopefully will begin shortly, since I have a very long UFO stash!Have a great day!Sher